As temperatures rise and summer storms roll in, it’s the perfect time to schedule a thorough roof checkup. While winter is often blamed for damaging commercial roofing systems, summer comes with its own set of stressors—UV radiation, thermal expansion, and humidity among them. At Motor City Roofers, we’ve seen too many Detroit-area businesses face costly repairs that could have been prevented with simple seasonal maintenance.

Even if your roof looks fine from a distance, some critical components often go unnoticed. This summer, take a closer look. Below are 10 commonly overlooked items that deserve attention during your seasonal commercial roof inspection.

1. Drainage Systems and Roof Scuppers
Clogged drains and scuppers are one of the leading causes of ponding water on flat roofs. Summer storms can deposit leaves, debris, and even nesting materials that block proper flow. If water sits too long, it weakens the membrane and accelerates leaks.

Checklist Tip: Check all internal and external drains, scuppers, and downspouts for obstructions and flush them out if needed. Look for signs of water staining around drain exits.

2. Flashing Integrity
Roof flashing—metal strips that seal transitions and penetrations—are prone to cracking, lifting, or separating with seasonal temperature swings. If flashing is compromised, water can seep underneath the membrane.

Checklist Tip: Inspect all perimeter flashing, rooftop HVAC units, skylights, and vents. Make sure there’s no rust, bending, or open seams.

3. Sealant and Caulk Degradation
Caulking around roof features like vents, hatches, and pipe boots tends to dry out and crack under high UV exposure. This minor detail is often overlooked until a leak appears.

Checklist Tip: Press gently on caulking—if it flakes or feels brittle, it's time for reapplication.

4. Roof Surface Cleanliness
Over time, dirt, bird droppings, mildew, and standing water can reduce the reflectivity of cool roof surfaces. Reduced reflectivity leads to higher internal temperatures and energy bills.

Checklist Tip: Clean the roof membrane with a manufacturer-approved solution to restore reflectivity and improve performance.

5. Roof Penetrations and Pitch Pans
Every hole in your roof—whether for wiring, plumbing, or ventilation—needs to be properly sealed. Pitch pans, which are used to seal irregular penetrations, can shrink, crack, or dry out in the summer sun.

Checklist Tip: Examine all penetrations. If sealant appears recessed, cracked, or separating from the boot, reseal immediately.

6. Parapet Walls and Coping Caps
Parapet walls are often overlooked in inspections. Deteriorated coping caps (the metal covers on top) can allow water to seep into the wall system, leading to structural issues and interior damage.

Checklist Tip: Check for loose or missing coping screws, rust stains, or movement. Any gaps between the parapet and the roof membrane should be addressed.

7. Roof Membrane Blisters or Bubbles
Summer heat causes roofing materials to expand and contract, which can lead to blistering or bubbling—especially in older built-up roofs or modified bitumen systems.

Checklist Tip: Walk the entire roof surface. Any blisters should be documented and monitored. If they’re soft or growing, they need repair.

8. HVAC Equipment and Rooftop Units (RTUs)
HVAC systems mounted on the roof are common on commercial buildings but can lead to leaks if not properly maintained. Drip pans, condensation lines, and vibration can all affect the roof surface.

Checklist Tip: Inspect around all RTUs for signs of water stains, membrane wear, or loose attachments. Make sure all unit access panels are secured to prevent wind damage.

9. Roof Edge and Perimeter
The roof edge is one of the most vulnerable areas for wind uplift and water infiltration. If the edge isn’t sealed or anchored correctly, it can fail during summer storms.

Checklist Tip: Check that edge metal is secure and that no fasteners are loose or missing. Examine the interface between the membrane and the edge for tearing or lifting.

10. Roof Access Points and Safety Equipment
Hatches, walk pads, ladders, and tie-off anchors need just as much attention as the roofing membrane. Damaged safety features not only pose a liability risk but also lead to compromised roofing materials if misused.

Checklist Tip: Ensure walk pads are intact, secure, and not causing membrane abrasion. Lubricate hatch hinges and check that access doors close and lock properly.

Bonus Tip: Inspect After StormsSummer brings unpredictable weather to the Detroit area—high winds, hail, and heavy rains. Always schedule an additional inspection following a major weather event. Catching damage early can mean the difference between a minor repair and a costly replacement.

Partner With Motor City Roofers for Expert Roof Maintenance
Even the most diligent building manager can miss hidden issues. That’s why at Motor City Roofers, we offer professional summer checkups that include detailed photo documentation, moisture scans, and a prioritized action plan.
Benefits of a Professional Roof Inspection:

• Identify early signs of wear and tear
• Extend the life of your roof
• Maintain warranty compliance
• Reduce liability and emergency repairs
• Improve energy efficiency

We serve all types of commercial properties, including warehouses, manufacturing facilities, offices, retail, and institutional buildings throughout the Detroit metro area.

Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Cheaper Than Repairs
Summer is the perfect time to assess the condition of your commercial roof. While some issues are obvious, many of the most damaging problems begin in the smallest, most overlooked places.

By focusing on the 10 areas listed above, you’ll be better prepared for the remainder of the warm season—and better protected against the demands of the fall and winter ahead.

Don’t wait until you see water stains inside your building. A quick summer checkup now can save you thousands in repairs down the line.

Schedule Your Summer Roof Checkup TodayReady to take the next step in protecting your building? Contact Motor City Roofers for a free consultation or to schedule a summer inspection.